A coalition of 14 social mobility organisations is pressing the UK government to introduce a “student premium” aimed at assisting disadvantaged individuals aged 16 and over. This initiative seeks to bridge the significant attainment gap that persists between these young people and their more affluent peers, particularly during the critical period of post-16 education. The coalition warns that without adequate funding, many of these students risk falling into unemployment or becoming disengaged from educational opportunities.
The Funding Gap Post-GCSE
In England, state-funded schools currently benefit from additional financial support through pupil premium funding, which is designed to help students from low-income backgrounds, particularly those eligible for free school meals. However, campaigners argue that this support diminishes drastically after GCSEs, leaving vulnerable students without the necessary guidance and resources during the pivotal years leading up to adulthood.
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), one of the key organisations in the coalition, emphasised, “Disadvantaged students don’t stop needing support the moment they finish their GCSEs, yet that’s exactly when funding falls away.” He advocates for a dedicated 16-19 student premium to help educational institutions retain young people’s engagement, enhance their achievements in core subjects such as English and maths, and reduce the likelihood of these individuals becoming NEET (not in education, employment, or training).
Financial Implications of the Proposed Premium
The coalition estimates that implementing the proposed student premium, which would align with current pupil premium levels, would cost approximately £430 million annually starting in the 2027-28 academic year. They are urging the Treasury to allocate these funds as part of a broader strategy to tackle the NEET crisis. Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that 957,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 were NEET in the last quarter of the previous year, representing 12.8% of this age group.
Students who do not achieve GCSEs in English and maths face a heightened risk of becoming NEET. A dedicated student premium would enable sixth forms and colleges to implement targeted interventions such as tutoring, mentoring, and tailored academic support, which are vital for securing essential qualifications.
Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, stated, “This targeted, additional investment would make a real difference and help to reduce the number of disadvantaged young people that disengage from education after the age of 16.”
Support from Educational Leaders
The campaign is further bolstered by endorsements from prominent figures in education, including Lee Elliot Major, a professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, and Rachel de Souza, the children’s commissioner for England. Elliot Major described the absence of a student premium for those aged 16 and above as “one of the great injustices of our education system,” labelling it a national scandal that support diminishes during years that are critical for shaping future life outcomes.
De Souza echoed these sentiments, asserting, “If we are serious about closing the disadvantage gap and ensuring every child succeeds in their learning and in the transition to adulthood and employment, we must work harder to ensure colleges have the resources they need to support them.”
Government’s Position on Funding Reforms
Among the coalition’s members advocating for a new student premium are the Association of Colleges, the Fair Education Alliance, and the Sutton Trust, among others. The government is currently contemplating reforms to deprivation funding, expressing concerns that existing allocations may not effectively target those facing the most significant challenges. A consultation on this matter is anticipated later this year.
Currently, deprivation funding is distributed based on the number of students at a school who receive free school meals, typically available to families with an annual income of less than £7,400.
In response to the coalition’s proposals, a spokesperson for the Department for Education stated, “We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity and reach the Prime Minister’s target for two-thirds of young people to take a gold-standard apprenticeship, higher training, or head to university by age 25.” The government claims to be investing £776 million this year to support the most disadvantaged 16-to-19-year-olds as part of an overall £8.6 billion investment in further education. Initiatives such as free breakfast clubs and expanded free school meals are also in place to address issues before students reach college.
Why it Matters
The introduction of a student premium for those aged 16 and over could significantly alter the educational landscape for disadvantaged young people in England. By providing essential support during these formative years, the government has the opportunity to not only reduce NEET rates but also enhance long-term economic prospects for a generation that is currently at risk of marginalisation. Ensuring that every young person has access to the resources they need to succeed is not just a moral imperative but a vital investment in the future workforce of the nation.
